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Exercise and anticoagulants
Anticoagulants limit the clotting ability of your blood, which may put you at a higher risk of serious bleeding, or internal bleeding, if you fall during vigorous exercise or contact sports.
Regular physical activity is good for your heart, but it may also have an effect on your anticoagulation medication dosage. Talk to your doctor about your fitness plans and, if you are curious about the effect of exercise on your coagulation levels, INR self-testing can help you better understand how your body responds to exercise.
Learn more about self-testing10 ways to stay active when you’re taking anticoagulants
As a rule of thumb, the type of exercise and training intensity should be adjusted to fit your physical abilities. Be aware of your body’s warning signals and always drink plenty of fluids while exercising. Here are 10 ways for people on anticoagulants to stay active:
Cycling
Regular cycling promotes endurance and oxygen supply. Competitive bike racing with peak capacities should be adapted to match your abilities. Demanding mountain bike trails in mountainous terrain are not always suitable, due to the risk of injury.
Fitness classes
Fitness training under the guidance of an instructor (e.g., group exercise classes) improves endurance, strength, coordination, and flexibility. An instructor will help observe movements and correct them when necessary.
Hiking/Nordic walking
Hiking in the great outdoors promotes circulation and can have a calming effect. Be sure to adapt your pace to the terrain and to avoid very high altitudes, where the atmosphere reduces blood oxygen levels the higher you go. Hiking in altitudes up to 2,000 metres should pose no problem. Nordic walking is a particularly low-impact, all-body workout. Using poles while walking benefits the muscular system throughout the body.
Swimming
Swimming gently develops the body’s entire muscle system and also stimulates the lungs. Following heart surgery, patients will need about an eight-week adjustment period, since swimming places a strain on the chest.
Jogging
Regular paced running has a proven track record for reducing the risk of heart disease. It activates the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, regulates insulin levels, and supports stress hormone reduction.
Tennis/Squash
Tennis and squash are only suitable for heart patients to a limited extent. This is due to the sudden movements, which can result in extreme peaks in blood pressure. Take it slow, and be sure not to overexert yourself.
Winter sports
Winter sport activities are great for keeping the cardiovascular system in shape during the cold months. It is better to pursue cross-country skiing instead of downhill, as it carries a significantly lower risk of injury.
Soccer
Since soccer is a team sport, it can be social and very enjoyable. It does, however, place high demands on the muscles, tendons, and bones. The risk of injury may be high—especially for older people, who may want to avoid sports with physical contact.
Weight training
Weight training is an important part of any exercise regimen. It not only trains muscles, but also strengthens ligaments and bones, and can help with balance. After heart surgery, patients should be careful to choose only those exercises that do not subject the chest to excessive pressure.
Dance
Dancing is an ideal sport for more senior heart patients. In addition to socializing and physical activity, benefits include increased coordination and balance.